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Re: Soil tests, Vermiculite, pH, KH & CO2
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To: Aquatic-Plants at actwin_com
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Subject: Re: Soil tests, Vermiculite, pH, KH & CO2
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From: stevensj at calshp_cals.wisc.edu
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Date: Wed, 31 May 95 18:46:56 CDT
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In-Reply-To: <199505311939.PAA21273 at looney_actwin.com>; from "Aquatic-Plants-Owner at actwin_com" at May 31, 95 3:39 pm
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Mailer: Elm [revision: 70.85.2.1]
Re: Soil Tests (incl. laterite)
I found that soil test info (incl. laterite) very interesting but I'm
wondering why iron content or index was not measured. Also, did anyone
who has used Tetra Initial D notice a lowering of water pH when they
filled the aquarium with water since the pH is so low (3.8). The authors
do not appear to consider Tetra Initial D a laterite - is this general
consensus. And, where can you buy Aquarium Products laterite? I've never
seen it anywhere, but I think I'll still use Dupla's laterite (I'm assuming
the high manganese, zinc & copper indexes are good). This week I noticed
when I gravel vaccuumed in my 25 gal tank that my substrate was anaerobic
(black bits in the gravel & rotten egg smell) - it's due for a change! It
has been set up for about 18 months. I lost about 5 mature fancy guppies
in that tank last week but I'm not sure if it was the substrate or my
CO2 & pH problems (boosted CO2 to 22 ppm and pH shot below 6.0 - see below).
All the baby & half grown guppies survived though, as did two cory cats,
a clown pleco & a kuhli loach.
Re: Vermiculite
I've read or been told that vermiculite is used in house plant potting mix
because it holds water well - probably not neccessary in an aquarium.
Re: pH, KH and CO2
There's a water FAQ that states that for a planted tank pH 6.9, KH 4 and
CO2 15 ppm is just about ideal. I'm wondering if others aim for this like
I've been trying to do. I think I have a problem with either my pH or KH
test kit though because at KH 4 (tetra test kit), CO2 15 ppm (La Motte)
my pH is reading 6.4 (Red Sea fish pHarm). If I increase CO2 to 18 or
higher my pH drops below 6, even with extra teaspoons of baking soda.
This is in a 25 gal tank.
Anyone recomend any better test kits?
Joanne.